Keating Statement on Regional Wastewater & Stormwater Program

Statement

Today, Rep. Bill Keating joined Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Curt Spalding and local officials in announcing the creation of the Southeast New England Coastal Watershed Restoration Program.

Said Rep. Keating:

"One of the most critical issues facing South Coast and Cape communities is the persistent threat of groundwater contamination and water pollution. The costs of responding to these challenges are estimated in the billions of dollars. And, these issues are not unique to the Commonwealth. Rhode Island coastal communities share the existing consequences of excess nutrient pollution, particularly from wastewater and stormwater run off.

"The only answer to these shared challenges is to find a common solution through a coordinated, regional approach. In conjunction with Senator Reed's leadership on this issue, I have been proud to support the establishment of the Southeast New England Coastal Watershed Restoration Program and prouder still to join Administrator Spalding in announcing today how this initiative will move forward. This program will join the diverse and rich resources of its partners to restore our region's watersheds and coastal habits."

In addition to $500,000 in technical assistance funds allocated to Barnstable and Chatham, the EPA has also awarded the following funds through the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management:

Buzzards Bay Coalition
$215,213

Town of Falmouth
$250,000

Town of Fairhaven
$90,000

Town of Wareham
$75,000

UMass Amherst
$98,346

Source